A Comprehensive Guide of TPMS Replacement​

In the modern automotive sector, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) have become an indispensable parameter for car safety. However, just like any automotive component, TPMS may fail and wear out over long time use, and thus timely TPMS replacement is critical.

This comprehensive guide will delve into all aspects of TPMS replacement, including its definition, necessity, how it works, and how to choose the right TPMS replacement product to help you get a better understanding.

What is TPMS

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) detects the air pressure inside the tire through sensors, and then alerts the driver if the air pressure shows anomaly, which is directly related to driving safety and tire life.

For one part, inadequate tire pressure may cause uneven tire wear, reduce grip and increase braking distance, which augment the risk of accidents.

And TPMS helps avoid these safety hazards by alerting drivers to tire pressure conditions in a timely manner.

For the other part, maintaining proper tire pressure can reduce tire wear and extend tire life, thus saving the cost of replacing tires.

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Also, it is noted that low tire pressure may increase rolling resistance, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.

TPMS helps improve fuel economy by maintaining the correct tire pressure. By reducing tire wear and improving fuel efficiency, TPMS helps reduce carbon emissions and is more environmentally friendly.

When we need TPMS replacement​

Although TPMS sensors are designed for long-term reliable operation, they are subject to a variety of factors that can cause performance degradation or failure.

Here are some common situations indicating TPMS replacement​ need to be operated.

First of all, when the TPMS fault light appears on the dashboard of the vehicle, it may be a problem with the sensor, receiver or other components in the TPMS system.

Common causes of this type of failure include battery exhaustion, sensor interference or damage, and receiver line failure. Most TPMS sensors adopt replaceable or non-replaceable batteries, which typically last five to seven years.

When the battery is depleted, the sensor will not be able to send pressure data, causing the TPMS warning to light up on the screen. Alternatively, the sensor may be damaged by road debris, impacts, or other accidents. And the damaged sensor cannot work properly and needs to be replaced.

Besides, the sensors in TPMS usually have a certain service life, generally around 5-10 years. With the increase of use time, even if the sensor is not directly damaged, its performance is decreased due to aging, and there may be inaccurate monitoring.

Moreover, it is sometimes necessary to remove and reinstall the TPMS sensor when replacing a tire or performing tire servicing. If the sensor is damaged during this process or cannot be recalibrated, it needs to be replaced.

Last but not least, major upgrades or modifications to vehicles may require the TPMS replacement, removing sensors that are incompatible with the original equipment.

When the vehicle is modified, such as changing the tire size, rim, etc., the original TPMS may not work properly and needs to be replaced or recalibrated.

In addition, after a vehicle crash or extensive repair, the TPMS may be damaged and need to be replaced too.

Basic principle for TPMS replacement​

There are mainly two types of TPMS replacement, i.e. direct TPMS replacement and indirect one. And let’s have a look at the differences between them.

For direct TPMS replacement, there are three key points.

First is sensor installation. The sensor of the direct TPMS replacement is mounted directly inside the tire and is connected to the valve port. And the sensor can directly measure parameters such as air pressure and temperature inside the tire.

Second is the way of data transmission. The sensor transmits the measured data via radio frequency signals to a receiver on the vehicle. In general, the sensor will send data at a certain time interval (such as once per minute).

Third is receiver processing. After receiving the data sent by the sensor, the receiver on the vehicle processes and analyzes the data. If abnormal tire pressure or temperature is detected, the receiver sends a signal to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU), which then alerts the driver via an indicator or display on the dashboard.

As for indirect TPMS replacement​, here are just two basic principles to consider.

One is to work based on wheel speed sensors. It means that the indirect TPMS replacement monitors tire pressure indirectly through the vehicle's wheel speed sensor. When the tire pressure is normal, the speed of the four wheels is basically the same. However, when the pressure of a tire is insufficient, the rolling radius of the tire will be reduced, causing it to rotate slightly faster than other tires with normal pressure.

The other is algorithm analysis. The vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) performs an algorithmic analysis of the data collected by the wheel speed sensor to determine whether the tire pressure is normal. If the speed of a tire is abnormal, the ECU will think that the tire may have insufficient air pressure and alert the driver through the indicator on the dashboard. However, the indirect TPMS replacement is less accurate than the direct version and cannot measure the temperature of the tire.

How to manage TPMS replacement​

Manage TPMS replacement by yourself may involve some technical steps, and here is just a simplified replacement guide for you to try out.

1. You need to prepare tools and materials, making sure you have the proper helpers (such as tire wrenches, screwdrivers, torque wrenches, etc.) and a new TPMS sensor.

2. Remove the tire from the vehicle using a tire wrench and jack.

3. Replace the old sensor carefully from the tire valve. You can now start installing the new sensors.

4. Attach the new sensor to the tire valve, making sure it is firm and properly aligned.

5. The tire is then remounted to the vehicle and the tire nut is tightened with the torque recommended by the manufacturer using a torque wrench. And calibrate the sensor using the diagnostic tool or the menu on the vehicle according to the instructions in the vehicle manual.

6. The system needs to be tested. Start the vehicle and check that the TPMS warning light is off. Drive the vehicle to test the functionality of the new sensor.

How to choose the suitable product for TPMS replacement​

When choosing a TPMS replacement product, the first thing to consider is the compatibility of the product with your own vehicle. Different brands and models of vehicles may have different requirements for TPMS, including the frequency of sensors, installation methods, and so on.

For example, some luxury cars may require sensors of a specific frequency to function properly, so make sure that the TPMS replacement you choose is a perfect match for your vehicle.

Moreover, it is also important to consider the compatibility of the product with the tire.

If you are using special tires, such as oversized or ultra-high-performance tires, make sure that the TPMS replacement product is adapted to the special requirements of the tire, such as accurately measuring the pressure and temperature changes of the tire at high speeds or in special road conditions.

Then, the accuracy of air pressure measurement is one of the important indicators to measure the quality of TPMS replacement products.

A good product should be able to accurately measure the air pressure inside the tire, and the error margin should be within a reasonable range.

In general, products with an error range of ±1-2 psi (pounds per square inch) are ideal.

Furthermore, for TPMS replacement products that are capable of measuring temperature, the accuracy of the temperature measurement is also important. Accurate temperature measurement can help the owner to discover the potential safety hazards of the tire due to excessive temperature in time.

The temperature measurement error should generally be controlled within a reasonable range, such as ±2-3°C.

Last but not least, TPMS replacement products may be subject to external interference during operation, such as interference from other wireless devices and magnetic field interference.

Products with strong anti-interference ability can ensure normal work in a variety of complex environments, and there will be no false alarm or data transmission interruption.

Final Verdict

When the TPMS sensor fails or is damaged, timely replacement of the TPMS is essential. Hope this guide can provide useful reference for you when choosing TPMS replacement products, so that you can be safer and more assured during daily driving.